Christmas weather: Cyclone effects starting to ease

The lingering effects of Cyclone Evan are still being felt across the country but should ease by tomorrow the MetService says.

Although there were no longer any severe weather warnings in place, heavy downpours were expected for many parts of the country, MetService forecaster Hordur Thordarson said.

The rain was expected to affect the central and lower North Island and the upper South Island, which could produce localised heavy rain.

Mr Thordarson said there was a low to the west of Northland caused by the remains of tropical Cyclone Evan which was moving slowly south.

It was expected to move east onto the upper North Island tomorrow.

"At the same time the front or trough is expected to move north over the South Island and that comes together over central New Zealand, producing widespread rain and localised heavy showers,'' he said.

A humid air mass was expected to affect the North Island and the top of the South Island.

However, the lower South Island should remain mainly fine.

Brief rain was expected for the bottom of the South Island, Mr Thordarson said.

"In other areas it's showery and about the central areas these are likely to be heavy."